They might start the season in such disparate outposts as Woodbridge, Va., Louisville and Fresno. Eventually, they'll find their way up to major league cities, and their clubs hope the apprenticeship away from the limelight will help them handle what's coming.

Andy Murray advanced to the Australian Open semifinals when Rafael Nadal retired from their quarterfinal with a knee injury on Tuesday. Murray will face Marin Cilic in the semifinals. The Croatian player beat No. 7 Andy Roddick earlier Tuesday.